* No written records: The earliest known written languages appeared around 3500 BC. Before that, any languages spoken were purely oral.
* Languages evolve: Languages change constantly, so even if we could understand what was spoken thousands of years ago, it wouldn't be the same as any modern language.
* Many early human groups: Early humans existed in diverse groups across the globe, each likely speaking their own language.
So, what can we do?
While we can't know the exact language, scientists and linguists try to understand the evolution of language by studying:
* Genetics: Studying the genes related to language development can give us clues about how early humans might have communicated.
* Archaeology: Tools, art, and other artifacts can sometimes hint at the complexity of early human communication.
* Comparative linguistics: Studying the relationships between modern languages helps us reconstruct how they may have developed from common ancestors.
The bottom line: We can't pinpoint a single "first language," but we can keep learning about the fascinating journey of human language through scientific research!